Tag Archives: prematurity

Weighing just 1 lb., 1 oz., when he was born at 29 weeks, Kendal and his parents fought and prayed a lot during his first five months, which he spent in the hospital. Low levels of amniotic fluid caused intrauterine growth forced his mother’s doctor to deliver the baby boy early, both for his health and his mother’s.

It wasn’t until five months later that he was released from the hospital. When he came home, his mother took two months off of work so she could manage his multiple medications, heart monitor, doctor’s appointments, and sometimes challenging feedings. Because of his early birth and small size, he had multiple health and developmental problems. All of this in addition, plus adjusting to life with a new baby! Continue reading →

Before I meet a new patient for the first time, medical records are often made available to help me get up to speed on the child’s background and condition. As a result, I usually have a picture of the child in my mind before he or she comes through the door. It’s based on what I know from the medical literature and my own experience, of course, but there’s nothing better than when a patient reminds me of the brain and body’s capacity to overcome.Continue reading →